The Obligatory First Post

It's been a really weird five years. And, yes, I am aware that this blog isn't five years old, and that, as a 34-year-old man, I likely do not have the experience to compare one half-decade to another. However, I feel like I have enough experience with the metal genre -being someone who has went to a fair number of shows, released a (pretty terrible) album or two, and wrote for a bunch of online webzines in the past- to give a fair assessment of the situations as of late. Well, sorry to tell you all this (I'm sure it comes as a big surprise) but things have totally sucked since the epidemic came rolling along.

I don't share any viewpoints when it comes to a potentially fatal sickness; I'm not going to tell you how it was handled, either bad or good. People I knew died, and I found myself suffering from the illness myself. And this was all to a man who stayed practically boarded up in his apartment for three years. I can only imagine the damage that could be done to touring musicians; their means of promotion, exposure, expression, and, if they were lucky, income - totally stripped in an instant. Of course, I know many who still were able to travel. Yet, looking at the measly selection of shows in my area, comparing it to previous years, I can't help but see the long-lasting impact. Sadly, I don't think I'll even be able to see some of my favorite bands in my lifetime thanks to everything that has happened.

Certainly, a massive gap was created - only to be filled in with a swath of musicians that, for the most part, didn't get much attention or notice due to the sheer amount of them. Everyone had time (me included) to put together the passion project they'd hoped to make their whole lives - with varying success. And, nope, I not going to be harping on these bands and projects. In fact, the point of Metal Mindscape is to check a lot of these out - and whatever this new post-COVID market provides. I don't see it as overcrowding, though maybe it is (I just don't think I'm qualified to make that assessment), but instead a new opportunity to check out this 'new wave' of metal. Things are a little braver now; a little wilder. And Metal Mindscape is all about digging into this new-found era of heavy and extreme music!

I really hope you enjoy what I'm doing here and stick around to see all the content that'll be coming your way. Sure, a lot is going to be written. But there are plans! Yes, I swear - more to come! Oh, and make sure you check out some of the incoming content from Nicole Gagnon (who is a author, by the way) - she's going to be checking out some of her favorite albums on Thursdays and providing some articles here and there.

Anyhow, stay safe and stay tuned!

-Kami Thee